Meredith Robertson Sutton
Murfreesboro,USA
Summary
Skilled writer, director, and producer with extensive film industry background. Streamlined production schedules and activities to minimize delays or disruptions. Superb organizational and communications skills leading to achievement of high-level goals.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Artistic Director
Dance Presenting Series, The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago
Chicago, IL
01.2023 - Current
- Acted as the spokesperson of the Dance Presenting Series, promoting its mission and vision.
- Oversees the implementation of visiting artist engagements and production residencies
- Guides marketing of the season and ancillary events through online and print materials geared to build and maintain a growing audience base
- Working with academic units to integrate public programming with curriculum. Develops ideas to engage faculty and relevant classes to participate in programming
- Works closely with Columbia College Chicago’s Office of Development and Alumni Relations to design and implement the annual fundraising campaign and research grant opportunities
- Guide marketing of the season and ancillary events through online and print materials in partnership with Columbia College Chicago’s Office of Strategic Communications and External Relations
- Directs the research and preparation of grant materials
- Oversees general operating and project-based budgets
- Supervises community engagement activities and events
- Actively participates in the building of productive relationships with prospects, audience, and supporters
- Directly supervises the Program Manager and provides direction to the Administrative Assistant to the Department and student staff for responsibilities related to the administration of DPS
- Partners with leaders of local arts organizations and municipal operations to create opportunities for community exposure to professional dance performance and programming
Program Manager
Dance Presenting Series, The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago
Chicago, IL
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Coordinated grants management processes through research, application, implementation, and reporting with DPS staff and external Development and Grant and Contract Management offices
- Managed and updated data related to all DPS activities, ensuring accuracy and accessibility for stakeholders
- Streamlined communication between Dance Center faculty and staff to effectively coordinate residency activities
- Designed, managed, summarized, and reported on audience surveys
- Guided students through their internship experiences by providing support and feedback.
Lecturer, Modern Dance
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA
01.2019 - 12.2019
- Developed curriculum for semester-long contemporary modern dance course to enhance student engagement and skill development
- Led placement auditions for contemporary modern dance technique to assess and match student abilities with appropriate class levels
- Conducted auditions to cast dancers for Fall Dance Concert, ensuring a diverse and talented ensemble for the performance
Dance History Instructor
The Chicago High School for the Arts
Chicago, IL
01.2017 - 12.2018
- Developed Dance History curriculum with clear objectives for lessons, units, and projects, enhancing student understanding and engagement
- Utilized diverse pedagogical methods such as lectures, media, group discussions, and experiential learning to cater to varied learning styles
- Implemented Individual Education Plans (IEP) designed to promote educational development in students with varying abilities
- Facilitated parent conferences to enhance communication and support student educational development
Associate Professor of Dance
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS
01.2009 - 12.2016
- Developed curriculum for the instruction of dance technique and theory courses
- Facilitated curricular development and adoption of new courses as chair of College of Arts and Letters Council, ensuring alignment with educational standards and departmental needs.
- Acted as Departmental Recruitment Manager, participating in annual events held on and off campus to inform prospective students about departmental and university-wide offerings.
- Co-authored written submissions for annual faculty evaluations, emphasizing faculty performance aligned with departmental tenure and promotion guidelines.
- Participated in College of Arts and Letters Junior Faculty Focus Group for Tenure and Promotion.
- Co-wrote and edited accreditation materials for National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD), ensuring compliance with current guidelines and protocols.
Teaching Artist
Lusher Charter Elementary and High School
New Orleans, LA
01.2008 - 12.2009
- Choreographed annual dance concerts and lecture demonstrations to showcase student progress and artistic expression
- Designed age-appropriate lesson plans focused on dance technique and artistry
- Assessed student growth against department objectives and aligned learning outcomes with individual progress
- Facilitated communication during parent-teacher conferences to enhance student engagement and academic performance
Resident Teaching Artist
New Orleans Ballet Association
New Orleans, LA
01.2007 - 12.2009
- Developed and instructed creative movement curriculum for k-12 public schools in Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Bernard Parishes
- Coordinated development of guest artist residencies and master classes, enhancing student exposure to diverse artistic practices
- Managed logistics and operations as On Site Coordinator for NORD/NOBA Center for Dance Summer Dance Intensives, ensuring smooth execution of programs
- Developed technique assessment tools to track progress and performance of students enrolled in Pre-Professional Training Program
- Choreographed annual dance concerts and lecture demonstrations, showcasing student talent and fostering community engagement
Education
Master of Fine Arts - Dance
Sarah Lawrence College
Bronxville, NY01-2006
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Dance Performance and Choreography
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS01-2003
Skills
- Arts funding proposals
- Event planning
- Sponsorship development
- Budget management
- Marketing strategy
- Curriculum development
Additional Information
Additional references and full-length creative CV available upon request.
Professional References
- Michelle N. Gibson, Professor of Practice in Dance, Southern Methodist University, michellengibsonmfa@gmail.com, (504)610-5631
- Murell D. Horton, Associate Professor of Theatre; Head of Costume Design, Texas Christian University, murell@mac.com, (646)361-0650
Timeline
Artistic Director
Dance Presenting Series, The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago
01.2023 - Current
Program Manager
Dance Presenting Series, The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago
01.2022 - 01.2023
Lecturer, Modern Dance
University of Virginia
01.2019 - 12.2019
Dance History Instructor
The Chicago High School for the Arts
01.2017 - 12.2018
Associate Professor of Dance
University of Southern Mississippi
01.2009 - 12.2016
Teaching Artist
Lusher Charter Elementary and High School
01.2008 - 12.2009
Resident Teaching Artist
New Orleans Ballet Association
01.2007 - 12.2009
Master of Fine Arts - Dance
Sarah Lawrence College
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Dance Performance and Choreography
University of Southern Mississippi